Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Silver Spring, MD: $38.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Silver Spring, MD runs $38.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,168 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Silver Spring's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,499 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Silver Spring, Maryland, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $38.06 in 2026, which is above the national hourly median of $35.74. This figure allows for competitive earning potential, making part-time work, such as three days a week, or per-diem arrangements attractive. Whether in skilled nursing therapy rooms, hospital rehab units, school environments, outpatient clinic spaces, or through home health visits, the ability to earn within an hourly range that stretches from $27.81 at entry-level to $47.09 for top earners creates viable options for both seasoned therapists and new graduates. Hourly rates, as derived from projected annual salary data, indicate that this profession provides flexibility and the potential for a balanced work-life dynamic, appealing to those interested in non-traditional work schedules or additional side opportunities.
About the Silver Spring Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.81 | $222.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.73 | $261.88 |
| Median (P50) | $38.06 | $304.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.56 | $340.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.09 | $376.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Silver Spring
Based on $38.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.06/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Silver Spring, MD can expect to earn approximately $79,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,672. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Silver Spring.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Silver Spring
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,522.41 | $6,597 | $79,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.45 | $3,958 | $47,499 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $608.96 | $2,639 | $31,666 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Silver Spring) | $38.06 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Silver Spring, MD earn a median of $79,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.51% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.60% below the Maryland state average of $81,281.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.06/hr = $47,499/year (purchasing power: $43,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,165/year (purchasing power: $72,429).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Silver Spring (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Silver Spring grew 17.5% from $31.50/hr (2019) to $37.02/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.13/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Silver Spring metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Silver Spring
Many occupational therapy assistants in Silver Spring may find themselves working part-time, totaling around 24 hours per week, with annual earnings significantly less than those of full-time colleagues. By focusing on an hourly workflow, part-time professionals can take home a respectable income while also enjoying the balance a part-time schedule provides. Per-diem and agency work can complicate this landscape, where compensation for a per diem occupational therapy assistant can range from $30 to $45 per hour. Some might opt for travel contracts that offer substantial weekly pay, typically between $1,100 and $1,700, although the industry faced challenges post-2022 with declining agency premium pay due to reimbursement cuts. Moreover, hourly rates can differ widely depending on employer type in Silver Spring. Factors such as providing benefits in skilled nursing facilities versus higher pay in settings without health coverage can influence job decisions. Occupational therapy assistants should navigate negotiations carefully, emphasizing their unique skills while remaining aware of the local market dynamics.
More salary data for Silver Spring, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Silver Spring in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Silver Spring?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Silver Spring paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Silver Spring?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Silver Spring?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Silver Spring. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Silver Spring is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov